It's the Law: Required Equipment

Includes: Sound-Producing Devices, Sound Signals, and Visual Distress Signals (VDSs)

Sound-Producing Devices

A sound-producing device is required on all waters. It is essential during periods of reduced visibility.

• The sound-producing device must be audible for one-half mile.
  • Vessels less than 65.6 feet in length, which includes PWCs, are required to carry on board a mouth-, hand-, or power-operated whistle or horn, or some other means to make an efficient sound signal.
  • Vessels 65.6 feet or more in length are required to carry on board a whistle or horn, and a bell.
• No vessel may be equipped with a siren, except vessels used by law enforcement officers.

Sound Signals

Some common sound signals that you should be familiar with as a recreational boater are as follows.

Changing Direction

• One short blast tells other boaters “I intend to pass you on my port (left) side.”
• Two short blasts tell other boaters “I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side.”
• Three short blasts tell other boaters “I am backing up.”

Restricted Visibility

• One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by power-driven vessels when underway.
• One prolonged plus two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by sailing vessels.

Warning

• One prolonged blast is a warning signal (for example, used when coming around a blind bend or exiting a slip).
• Five (or more) short, rapid blasts signal danger or signal that you do not understand or that you disagree with the other boater’s intentions.

Visual Distress Signals (VDSs)

Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) allow vessel operators to signal for help in the event of an emergency.

• Vessels used on coastal waters that are under federal control (see federally controlled waters) must be equipped with visual distress signals that are U.S. Coast Guard–approved, in serviceable condition, and readily accessible.
• All vessels, regardless of length or type, are required to carry night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise. Most vessels must carry day signals also; exceptions to the requirement for day signals are:
  • Recreational vessels that are less than 16 feet in length
  • Non-motorized open sailboats that are less than 26 feet in length
  • Manually propelled vessels
• VDSs are not required on large, open waters inland from the coast that are not under federal control, but they are strongly recommended.
• If pyrotechnic VDSs are used, a minimum of three must be carried in the vessel. Pyrotechnic devices have an expiration date and may not be used after that date.
• The following combinations of signals are examples of VDSs that could be carried on board to satisfy U.S. Coast Guard requirements:
  • Three handheld red flares (day and night)
  • One handheld red flare and two red meteors (day and night)
  • One handheld orange smoke signal (day), two floating orange smoke signals (day), and one electric light (night only)
• It is prohibited to display visual distress signals while on the water unless assistance is required to prevent immediate or potential danger to persons on board.

VDSs are classified as day signals (visible in bright sunlight), night signals (visible at night), or both day and night signals. VDSs are either pyrotechnic (smoke and flames) or non-pyrotechnic (non-combustible).

Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals

Orange Smoke Day Signal

Red Meteor Day and Night Signal

Red Flare Day and Night Signal

Non-Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals

Electric Light Night Signal

Orange Flag Day Signal

Arm Signal Although this signal does not meet VDS equipment requirements, wave your arms to summon help if you do not have other distress signals on board.

Federally Controlled Waters

Vessels must observe federal requirements on these waters:

• Coastal waters
• The Great Lakes
• Territorial seas
• Waters which are two miles wide or wider and are connected directly to one of the above